UK-GBC calls for government to commit to zero carbon homes

The UK Green Building Council has urged the government to end the delay on new building regulations

The UK-GBC has responded to an open letter to communities secretary Eric Pickles from Labour ministers which urged the government to show it is committed to achieving zero carbon homes by 2016.

The letter argues that failure to clarify standards which builders should adhere to in 2013 through Part L is ‘highly detrimental’ for delivering new homes and puts key green policy at ‘serious risk’.

The government has previously stated its support for zero carbon requirements, which require homes to be zero carbon by 2016, and commercial properties by 2019, but the UK-GBC is concerned that innovation in the construction industry could stall without confirmation of changes to the building regulations.

Paul King, UK-GBC chief executive, said: ‘By providing the clarity so urgently needed on changes to the building regulations and confirming its support for zero carbon homes, government could inject confidence into a sector with huge growth potential for the UK economy.

‘Unfortunately the chancellor appears intent on blocking a key green policy with widespread industry support and once again undermining the Coalition’s claim to be the ‘greenest Government ever’.’

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